Cheater changer

ABSTRACT

A new tire changing aid to allow a person who has a flat tire to apply added leverage when removing and/or tightening the lug nuts. It also converts to a tire lift with foot leverage to help lift the spare tire back up onto the vehicle&#39;s axle. This innovative device is built of steel tubing bent 180 degrees with rubber mounts that have four adjustable and removable plates with holes to match the particular vehicle&#39;s lug bolt pattern that the lug wrench rests in. With the steel tubing inserted over the opposing end of the lug wrench it gives the user four times more leverage to remove the lug nuts.

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of Invention

[0002] This invention relates to people who have had a flat tire while driving their vehicle and do not have the physical strength to remove the lug nuts and/or lift the spare tire back up onto the vehicle's lug bolts and to make it easier for those that do.

[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0004] Many if not all people who have had a flat tire while driving their vehicle have had to change it along side the road. The Cheater Changer makes it easy to lift the spare tire up and back onto the axle, as well as tighten and loosen the lug nuts.

[0005] Heretofore, a wide variety of tools were used, one is the lug wrench being made of a steel rod with four different size sockets that have been formed on the ends and welded in a cross configuration giving the user some leverage. Lug nuts get rusty and some mechanics have a tendency to put them on very tight for safety reason; therefore, making them hard to remove. Users find that they have to get down on their knees in mud, snow, and/or gravel to use this tool.

[0006] Another is a tool comprised of a simple bent rod with a socket formed on the end of it, which would give some leverage. But in either case, they are very inconvenient to use and have the risk of twisting a muscle in one's back, as well as being messy.

[0007] When removing or putting a wheel back on the person would slide the wheel off the lug bolts, sometimes disfiguring the threads. They also find that the wheels are very heavy and are hard to put back on.

[0008] Most users, therefore, would find it desirable to have a tool that would make it easy to remove the lug bolts, as well as a lift to remove and/or replace the tire.

OBJECTS & ADVANTAGES

[0009] Accordingly, we claim the following as our objects and advantages of this invention: To provide a tool that will hold one end of a lug wrench while the other end is on the lug nut, with the tubular extension on the other portion of the lug wrench. This gives the user four times the leverage. This leverage is used in the downward motion, both in loosening and tightening the lug nuts. This allows the user to use bodyweight rather than a twisting motion. When lifting a tire back up onto the hub, the Cheater Changer converts to a lift using the users' foot with leverage to easily lift it back up onto the hub.

[0010] All movements are in the downward motion, lowering the risk of pulling a muscle or twisting ones back, as well as not having to have to get on knees to complete the changing of a tire.

[0011] It adjusts to allow the lug wrench to be used at any level, and has safety pins to prevent slippage. The rubber base holds it firmly on most any surface and can easily be removed and replaced with ice tongs to hold on slippery, icy surfaces.

[0012] The Cheater Changer is also easily stored. All loose parts fit snuggly into the tubular extension and are locked in so that it can be carried in a vehicle for years and never rattle or become lost.

[0013] Readers will find further objects and advantage of the invention from a consideration of the ensuing description and the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Page 1—FIG. 1: Shows elevated view of the assembled tool (conceptual schematic)

[0015] Page 2—FIG. 2: Shows front view of such tool

[0016] Page 2—FIG. 3: Shows side view of such tool

[0017] Page 2—FIG. 4: Shows tubular extension (cheater bar) for such tool

[0018] Page 2—FIG. 5: Shows end view of tubular extension for such tool

[0019] Page 2—FIG. 6: Shows tubular lock and lug wrench spacer for such tool

[0020] Page 3—FIG. 7: Shows stowed configuration front view of such tool

[0021] Page 3—FIG. 8: Shows stowed configuration side view for such tool

[0022] Page 4—FIG. 9: Shows top view of assembled such tool

[0023] Page 4—FIG. 10: Shows front view of adjustable 5-lug bolt plate for such tool

[0024] Page 4—FIG. 11: Shows front view of adjustable 8-lug bolt plate for such tool

[0025] Page 4—FIG. 12: Shows front view of adjustable 4-lug bolt plate for such tool

[0026] Page 4—FIG. 13: Shows front view of adjustable 6-lug bolt plate for such tool

[0027] Page 5—FIG. 14: Shows top view of lift bar bracket for such tool

[0028] Page 5—FIG. 15: Shows side view of lift bar bracket for such tool

[0029] Page 5—FIG. 16: Shows bolt with finger lock for tubular lock for the stowed configuration of such tool

[0030] Page 5—FIG. 17: Shows left side bracket for plates to mount on such tool

[0031] Page 5—FIG. 18: Shows right side bracket for plates to mount on such tool

[0032] Page 5—FIG. 19: Shows close up view in the wheel lift configuration on such tool

[0033] Page 5—FIG. 20: Shows how a wheel lifts when being used for a wheel lift for such tool

DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0034]20 Rubber Mounts (2)

[0035]22 Ice Tongs total (2)

[0036]24 ⅚″ Welded Nut (inside ½″ tubing)

[0037]26 Square Tubing 16 Ga.

[0038]28 ¾″ O.D. Steel Tubing 16 Ga., bent 180 degrees

[0039]30 1″ I.D. Steel Tubing 16 Ga., welded to bracket 32

[0040]32 Right Side Bracket

[0041]34 Left Side Bracket

[0042]36 ¼″ Bolts X ¾″ Long welded to bracket

[0043]38 Changeable 5 lug Plate 16 Ga. Metal

[0044]40 {fraction (5/16)}″ N.C. Nut welded to tubing

[0045]42 {fraction (5/16)}″ N.C. Thumb Bolt X ¾″ long

[0046]44 ⅛″ Clevis Pin X 2¾″ long

[0047]46 ¼″ Wing Nut

[0048]48 1⅝″ P.V.C. tubing O.D.

[0049]50 ⅛″ Holes 1″ apart drilled into tubing

[0050]52 ¼″ Holes drilled through tubing

[0051]54 1⅝″ I.D. coupler that is split on one side

[0052]58 End View of 48

[0053]60 Bracket for P.V.C. tubing 1⅝″ I.D.

[0054]62 ¼″ Bolt X 2¾″ long with Finger lock (FIG. 16)

[0055]64 Same as (46) used on (62)

[0056]66 8 Lug Bolt Plate

[0057]68 ¼″ Hole

[0058]70 6 Lug Bolt Plate

[0059]72 4 Lug Bolt Plate

[0060]74 ¼″ Holes to receive #36

[0061]76 Bags of arts (2 #22 Ice tongs, 2 #44 ⅛″ Clevis Pins, 2 #46 {fraction (5/16)}″ Thumbs Bolts) not shown

[0062]77 1″ Tubing welded to 34 and 32

Multiple Piece Tool Description

[0063] Page 1, FIG. 1 shows multiple piece tool invention and conceptual schematic, Page 2, FIG. 2 shows this tool comprised of a rubber mount with a {fraction (5/16)}″ N.C. bolt mounted in it (20). This bolt has been put through a {fraction (5/16)}″ hole that has been drilled through one side of the 1″ square tubing, which has a larger hole ¾″ in diameter directly above it. This square tubing is about 10¾″ long and has the same holes on the opposite end (26). This fis secured by a {fraction (5/16)}″ nut that has been welded into both ends of the ¾″ tubing, that has been bent 180 degrees to go directly into the opposite end with the same rubber mount (20) securing the 1″ square tubing (26) to the ¾″ tubing (28). This secures the three pieces together, making a solid base. The same base is held together by removing (20) and replacing it with the ice tongs (22). This still secures the base together.

[0064] The left side 1″ tubing (78) is welded to the left side bracket (34), allowing it to slide up or down on the ¾″ tubing (28). The same assembly on the right side only (32) is welded to 1″ tubing (78) and both slipped over ¾″ tubing (28). When plate (38) is mounted on both brackets (32) and (34), and secured by wing nuts (46), it becomes a 0one piece mechanism that will slide up or down making it adjustable to as high or low as the ¾″ tubing (28) will allow. To stop it, tighten {fraction (5/16)}″ thumb bolt (42) through {fraction (5/16)}″ nut (40) protruding through and securing the assembled mechanism to the ¾″ tubing (28), preventing it from moving up or down ⅛″ holes (50). The ⅛″ holes are drilled 1″ apart through the ¾″ tubing (50) for 18″ up both sides, which allows clevis pin (44) to be inserted through the ¾″ tubing (28) directly under (78), and stops the 1″ tubing (78) from moving downward by loosening thumb bolt (42) on both sides allowing the mechanism to slide down to clevis pins (44) stopping it securely, then by tightening the thumb bolts (42) prevents slippage up locking it in position both ways.

[0065] The cheater bar (48) is made of plumbing plastic sewer pipe, also known as P.V.C. tubing 1⅝″ O.D. on one end there is a slot cut into it to receive the 1″ square tubing (26) about 29¾″ long. On the opposite end, a ¼″ hole is drilled through it 2⅜″ down to receive bolt (62). It is inserted through bracket (60) that has a ¼″ hole through it. This assembly is inserted through ¼″ hole (52) then another bracket (60) is inserted on to it with ¼″ wing nut (64) threaded on it clamping to cheater bar (48) holding it into position for stowing. On the top is a P.V.C. coupler that has a 1″ notch cut into it and has been cut through one side (54) allowing it to slip over (48) and stopped by (62) locking it in position and this can be stowed in a vehicle.

Operation of Multiple Piece Tool

[0066] The multiple-piece tool will perform a wide variety of functions, but users will find it most useful when they have a flat tire, while they are driving a vehicle. When purchased the user will order the invention to fit the number of lug bolts that the vehicle has as shown (38). When towing a trailer that may have four lug bolts such as a boat trailer, the user can also carry a four lug bolt plate (72) that can be changed to fit the invention by simply removing the wing nuts (46) and exchanging the five lug bolts plate (38) to the four lug bolt plate (72), or even carry all four lug bolt plates (38) (72) (66) (70) with them. The user could fit all automobiles up to one-ton trucks, with single wheels, because they are interchangeable.

[0067] When using the invention, it most likely will be carried in the stowed configuration (FIG. 7). Take the invention and lay it on a flat surface. By taking hold of cheater bar (48) close to the location of (62) with you left hand and left index finger on the finger lock of (62) and remove the wing nut (64). Then slide the ¼″ bolt (62) out of the ¼″ holes (52) in the cheater bar (48). This allows the two cheater bar brackets (60) to be free of the tool then the user can set them aside (parts). This also allows the P.V.C. coupler (54) to slip down freeing it from it's locked position with the steel tubing (28) allowing the cheater bar (48) to be lifted up and out off of the square tubing (26).

[0068] Inside of cheater bar (48) is stowed the bolts and parts (not shown) in a bag. This can simply be shook out or taped on a hard surface to release them.

[0069] In the bag will be two {fraction (5/16)}″ thumb bolts (42) screw both into the {fraction (5/16)}″ nuts that are welded on to the 1″ tubing (40) that has a hole drilled directly behind them. This locks the 1″ tubing (78) to the ¾″ tubing (28) inside. This holds the plate (38) at this point.

[0070] Next take the invention out in front of the flat tire wheel, making sure there is one lug bolt straight up. If not, simply drive the vehicle backward or forward until one lug bolt is straight up in the 12 o'clock position. This matches the lug bolt plate (38) with the lug bolts. By putting the lug wrench on the lug bolt, the opposite end can be inserted through the lug bolt plate (38) and adjusted to the level that is needed as shown in FIG. 1, by loosening the thumb bolts (42) then tightening them at the level needed.

[0071] The bag also contains two clevis pins (44). Inserting them into the (50) hole directly under the 1″ tubing (30) locks it so when pressure is put on the plate, it stays there, with the lug wrench on the vehicle's wheels and the invention in position. The cheater bar (48) is inserted over the opposing portion of the lug wrench (FIG. 1). When shoved down it easily loosens the lug nuts, by loosening all lug nuts in the same manor, then the vehicle can be jacked up and wheel easily removed with the lug nuts being loosened.

[0072] Next, to lift up the spare tire back on to the axle, the user takes wing nuts (46) off, installs cheater bar brackets (60) and puts wing nuts back on, as shown in FIG. 19, the user installs cheater bar (48) and can easily lift a tire up and put back on it its axle, as shown in FIG. 20. Then start to reverse the procedure by finger tightening the lug bolts then tightening them with the lug wrench, so the lug nuts are snug. At this point the wheel will turn. By lowering the vehicle's wheel to the ground, it will prevent it from turning. Then remove the ¼″ wing nuts (64) on the lift brackets (60) then reinstall the ¼″ nuts on the lug bolt plate (38). The lug nuts can then be tightened as shown in FIG. 1 only in reverse. This will tighten the lug bolts back on and by putting parts back in the bag and returning them the way that the invention was in the stowed position (FIG. 7), it can be stowed in most any vehicle for a long period of time and never lose the parts.

[0073] While we have described the process of removing, lifting, and reinstalling a tire with the Multiple Tool Invention in some detail, in practice we have found it can be performed rapidly and neatly usually in less than 30 minutes. While the description contains many specifications, the reader should not construe these as limitations on the scope of the invention, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations within its scope. For example, skilled persons will readily be able to change the dimensions and shape of the various embodiments. They will also be able to make parts out of various materials such as plastics, fiberglass, aluminum, etc. The adjustable plates could be held in place with springs and pins. Accordingly, the reader is requested to determine the scope of the invention by appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples, which have been given. 

We claim:
 1. That this invention is a lug wrench support and will hold one end of a lug wrench when the other end of proper size is attached to the lug nut of an automobile's wheel and has been adjusted to the proper height and in the vertical position.
 2. The adjustable plates that are interchangeable be made to match all automobiles and/or light trucks up to one ton, with single wheels. This comprises of 4, 5, 6, or 8 lug bolt patterns.
 3. The rubber mounts on the bottom of the invention be made of a hard enough material to hold firmly on any hard, dry, or packed surface and be interchangeable with ice tongs, if the user has icy or snowy conditions when using it.
 4. The invention is made of 16 gauge steel or some other material that is strong enough to withstand the pressures of what is expected of it (for its intended use).
 5. That when it has been assembled properly, its intended use, it will give the user four times the torque that the user normally can develop with lug wrench making it easier to loosen or tighten lug nuts and still not collapse or become out of adjustment.
 6. When using the invention and assembled properly for a wheel lift that it will give the user the needed leverage to lift a 100 pound tire up as much as six inches, with 25 pounds of pressure with the user's foot, making it much easier to replace a tire on its axle.
 7. When the invention is stowed properly, it will remain in its own containment when reasonable care has been followed. A user can get years of use out of it
 8. The invention can be disassembled and parts replaced if needed. 